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2012 Toyota Highlander Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20261 Critical Recalls
Ryan Davis
2012 Toyota Highlander Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2012 Toyota Highlander has 225 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve steering and electrical system.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

8.2/ 10

Based on 225 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

STEERING

46 20.4%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

27 12%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

23 10.2%

ENGINE

17 7.6%

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

14 6.2%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is STEERING, accounting for 20.4% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 38 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2012 Toyota Highlander

The 2012 Toyota Highlander has 225 owner complaints in this dataset. STEERING is the most common complaint category, representing about 20% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2012 Toyota Highlander are STEERING (46), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (27), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (23).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 122 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2012 Toyota Highlander?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2011 Highlander complaints2013 Highlander complaints2014 Highlander complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 38 of 38 systems

STEERING

46 Reports20% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN SWAYING. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE STEERING WHEEL AND CRASHED INTO A BILLBOARD. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000. *TR

6/12/2013

THE VEHICLE DEVELOPED A CLICKING FEEL IN THE STEERING SYSTEM ABOUT A YEAR AND 9 MONTHS FROM MANUFACTURE DATE. TOYOTA DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED PROBLEM AS A FAILED INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT AND RECOMMEND INDICATE REPLACEMENT . I CONTACTED TOYOTA AS I FEEL REPAIR SHOULD BE COVERED BY COMPANY DUE TO NATURE OF FAILURE AND AGE OF VEHICLE. THEY HAVE NOT OFFERED ANYTHING IN WAY IF ASSISTANCE AND HAVE NO RECALL PENDING EVEN THOUGH THIS SEEMS TO BE A SERIOUS PROBLEM ACROSS THE WHOLE TOYOTA VEHICLE LINE UP. *TR

5/25/2014

44 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

27 Reports12% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND STEERING TO THE RIGHT, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY EMITTED AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT SHUT OFF INTERMITTENTLY WHEN POWERING OFF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE DEFROSTER FOR THE REAR WINDOW WOULD NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, CAUSING THE WINDOWS TO REMAIN FOGGY FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,300. UPDATED 1/29/13 *CN

12/18/2012

WHILE PARKED AT A CURBSIDE, WITH ENGINE IDLING, I SPONTANEOUSLY DECIDED TO ADJUST MY TILT STEERING COLUMN (UP/DOWN) TO SEE IF THERE WAS A MORE COMFORTABLE POSITION TO DRIVE. WHEN I MOVED THE COLUMN DOWN FOR THE FIRST TIME (I HAD NEVER TRIED TO ADJUST THE POSITION PREVIOUSLY, SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR ONE YEAR EARLIER), THE CAR'S ENGINE IMMEDIATELY SHUT OFF. I COULD NOT RE-START THE ENGINE AND ALL I KEPT THINKING WAS THANK-GOODNESS I WAS NOT DRIVING, AS I HAD LOST ENGINE, STEERING AND BRAKING POWER. THE RECENT HEADLINES ABOUT GM'S IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEMS AND DRIVERS SUDDENLY LOSING CONTROL WHILE DRIVING MADE ME REALIZE THAT I COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN IN A SIMILAR CATASTROPHIC LOSS OF CONTROL SITUATION, BECAUSE OF THE TILT-STEERING PROBLEM I ENCOUNTERED. I THANK THE STARS THAT I WAS NOT DRIVING OR ON A HIGHWAY WHEN THIS OCCURRED. MY CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. APPARENTLY, AN IGNITION SWITCH WIRE SOMEHOW BECAME DETACHED OR BROKEN DUE TO MY SINGLE TILT ACTION. SCARY INDEED. *TR

4/2/2014

25 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

23 Reports10% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE ELECTRONIC DOOR LOCK (DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR) ON MY 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER RECENTLY BEGAN TO HAVE PROBLEMS; IT WORKED INTERMITTENTLY FOR A SHORT TIME, THEN CEASED WORKING AT ALL. AFTER A RECENT SERVICE TRIP, TOYOTA QUOTED ME OVER $500 TO REPLACE THE DOOR ACTUATOR AND LABOR. I REALIZE THIS SEEMS LIKE A SMALL ISSUE. BUT I, AND MY FAMILY, HAVE OWNED TOYOTAS PREVIOUSLY AND HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE, EVEN WITH DIFFERENT MODELS. I CAN'T HELP BUT FEEL THAT TOYOTA IS MAKING A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT AND I, AS A CONSUMER, AM FOOTING THE BILL FOR THEIR FAULTY PART. MOREOVER, A SIMPLE INTERNET SEARCH FINDS THAT THIS PROBLEM IS UBIQUITOUS; THERE ARE MYRIAD FORUMS DEDICATED TO FINDING A SOLUTION. I FEEL THAT THIS MAY EVEN JUSTIFY A RECALL.

7/29/2015

LIFT GATE HANDLE LITERALLY FELL OFF AND BROKE AS WE WERE CLOSING THE DOOR USING THE POWER BUTTON ON THE REAR DOOR. SCREW JUST FELL OUT OF ITS ATTACHMENT. UNABLE TO USE POWER LIFT GATE FUNCTION. PART OF THE REAR DOOR AREA WHERE THE HINGE IS ATTACHED IS WARPED, POSSIBLY STRUCTURAL ISSUES.

10/16/2015

21 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

17 Reports8% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MY HIGHLANDER WAS AT THE AIRPORT FOR THREE DAYS PARKED. WHEN I WAS LEAVING THE LOT I WAS DRIVING SLOW IN THE LOT TO PAY MY PARKING. WHEN I GOT OUT OF THE LOT TO MAIN STREAM TRAFFIC I TRIED TO ACCELERATE AND THE CAR WOULD ONLY GO SLOW AS I KEPT PUSHING THE THROTTLE. THERE WERE CARS ON BOTH SIDES OF ME WITH NO ONE IN FRONT AND THEN THE CAR JUST TOOK OFF. IT DID STARTLE ME BECAUSE I WAS NOT EXPECTING THIS. THANK GOD NO ONE WAS IN FRONT OF ME BECAUSE I AM SURE I WOULD NOT HAVE REACTED FAST ENOUGH TO STOP BECAUSE OF THE RAPID ACCELERATION. SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE THROTTLE IN THESE VEHICLES. I DID NOT TAKE IT IN BECAUSE I AM SURE THEY WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM. THIS HAS ONLY HAPPEN ONCE AND I HOPE IT DOESN'T HAPPEN AGAIN. *TR

5/29/2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND STEERING TO THE RIGHT, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY EMITTED AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT SHUT OFF INTERMITTENTLY WHEN POWERING OFF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE DEFROSTER FOR THE REAR WINDOW WOULD NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, CAUSING THE WINDOWS TO REMAIN FOGGY FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,300. UPDATED 1/29/13 *CN

12/18/2012

15 more complaints are available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

14 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE PULLING INTO PARKING SPACE IN PRIVATE SHOPPING MALL AT SLOW RATE OF SPEED THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING RAPIDLY ACCELERATED FORWARD INTO VEHICLE PARKED DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF MY VEHICLE. MY VEHICLE WENT UP AND OVER PARKED VEHICLE CAUSING DAMAGE TO BOTH VEHICLES. NO ONE WAS HURT IN THIS ACCIDENT AND NO POLICE REPORT WAS MADE AS IT WAS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY. COMPLAINT WAS MADE TO TOYOTA WHO INVESTIGATED AND TOYOTA DETERMINED THAT NO VEHICLE DEFECT OR DESIGN EXISTED AND REFUSED TO OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. MY WIFE WHO WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER HAD AN ACCIDENT AND SWEARS AS TO THE FACTS. SHE DID NOT CONTRIBUTE AT ALL TO THIS ACCIDENT. TOYOTA IS MARKETING A DEFECTIVE VEHICLE WHICH WILL EVENTUALLY AND UNFORTUNATELY RESULT IN DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY IF THEY ARE NOT NOW HELD ACCOUNTABLE. *TR

2/16/2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THERE WAS AN EXCESSIVE VIBRATION. THE CONTACT THEN ENGAGED THE BRAKE PEDAL WHICH WAS UNRESPONSIVE. THE ENGINE RMPS INCREASED UP TO 3,000. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED REPEATEDLY AND THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND THEN BACK INTO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO UNINTENDEDLY ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY CAME TO A STOP. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESUME DRIVING TO THE DESTINATION AT A REDUCED SPEED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000.

4/30/2012

12 more complaints are available in this category.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

14 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND STEERING TO THE RIGHT, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY EMITTED AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT SHUT OFF INTERMITTENTLY WHEN POWERING OFF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE DEFROSTER FOR THE REAR WINDOW WOULD NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, CAUSING THE WINDOWS TO REMAIN FOGGY FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,300. UPDATED 1/29/13 *CN

12/18/2012

I WAS ABOUT TO START THE CAR. MY WIFE WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. SHE LOWERED THE PASSENGER SIDE SUN VISOR AND THEN TRIED TO PUT IT BACK UP. WE HEARD A CLICK, AND FOUND THAT THE SUN VISOR WILL NOT GO BACK INTO THE "UP" POSITION. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IT AFFECTS MY VISIBILITY WHEN DRIVING. *TR

11/15/2013

12 more complaints are available in this category.

STRUCTURE:BODY

14 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THIS EVENT HAPPENED WHEN MY TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2012 (SE V6 4WD) WAS PARKED AND TURNED OFF. I PRESSED THE REMOTE CONTROL BUTTON TO AUTOMATICALLY OPEN THE CAR HATCH DOOR. THE DOOR WAS OPEN AND STAY UP. HOWEVER, WHEN I WAS PUTTING SOME GROCERY BAGS INSIDE THE CAR, THE DOOR CAME DOWN WITHOUT ANY ANNOUNCEMENT AND HITTING MY HEAD. I HAD HEAD ACHE FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS. AFTER THIS HAPPENED, THE BACK DOOR DOES NOT STAY UP. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALER TWO DAYS AFTER THE INCIDENT HAPPENED. I AM STILL WAITING FOR A DECISION FROM TOYOTA CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE CENTER AND WITHOUT MY CAR (3 WEEKS AND COUNTING). I AM CLAIMING A CAR REPLACEMENT FROM TOYOTA. THIS IS THE FIFTH INCIDENT WITH THIS CAR (FIVE CAR REPAIRS BY THE DEALERSHIP UNDER TOYOTA GUARANTY) DURING ITS FIRST YEAR OF OWNERSHIP (A BRAND NEW CAR). REALLY DISAPPOINTED FROM TOYOTA CAR QUALITY. I AM AFRAID THAT NEXT TIME WOULD BE A FATALITY OR ANOTHER SERIOUS INJURY WITH IRREVERSIBLE CONSEQUENCES. *TR

8/11/2013

OVER THE COURSE OF A FEW WEEKS WE NOTICED A SIGNIFICANT SMELL IN OUR CAR. WE HAVE RUBBER FLOORMATS, SO DID NOT NOTICE THAT THERE WAS A DRAINAGE PROBLEM IN OUR A/C CONDENSER. THE BLOCKAGE CAUSED DRAINAGE TO BACK UP INTO THE BODY OF OUR VEHICLE AND MOLD STARTED TO GROW ALL OVER THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE ON THE CARPET UNDERNEATH THE RUBBER FLOORMATS. WE LATER LEARNED THAT THE BLOCKAGE WAS CAUSED BY A SPIDER WEB IN THE A/C CONDENSER DRAINAGE TUBE. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY CALLED TOYOTA AND LEARNED IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER MY EXTENDED TOYOTA CARE WARRANTY AND ANY COSTS WOULD HAVE TO BE PAID OUT OF POCKET. I JUST LEARNED THAT SIMILAR MODEL YEAR TOYOTA VEHICLES, INCLUDING THE AVALON AND CAMRY, ARE UNDER RECALL DUE TO PROBLEMS THAT RESULT FROM SPIDER WEBS BLOCKING THE A/C CONDENSER DRAINAGE TUBE. THIS IS CLEARLY A DESIGN DEFECT THAT COVERS MORE THAN JUST THE AVALON AND CAMRY MODELS, BUT THE RECALL DID NOT COVER MY HIGHLANDER. WE HAVE AN INFANT SON AND THE GROWTH OF MOLD COULD HAVE SEVERELY IMPACTED HIS HEALTH AND BREATHING. *TR

10/18/2013

12 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

11 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING STALL IN A PRIVATE PARKING LOT, MY HIGHLANDER SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND I HAD NO BRAKES AT ALL! MY HIGHLANDER WENT UP OVER THE CURB WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SLOW. I HAD BRAKES AGAIN AND WAS ABLE TO APPLY THE BRAKE, COMING TO A SAFE STOP. NOT BEFORE SLASHING MY LEFT FRONT TIRE AND BENDING MY TIRE RIM. THANKFULLY NO ONE WAS INJURED. *JS

5/1/2012

THE CAR WILL NOT HOLD WHEN PARKED ON A STEEP INCLINE. NOT EVEN IN MY DRIVEWAY AT HOME. ESPECIALLY IF THERE ARE PEOPLE IN THE CAR BECAUSE OF THE ADDED WEIGHT. THEY ADJUSTED IT THE FIRST TIME AND SAID IT WOULD BE FINE. THAT ONLY LASTED A MONTH. TOOK IT IN AGAIN AND THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG BUT THEY ADJUSTED IT MORE. TECH SAID THEY MIGHT HAVE TO CHARGE ME BECAUSE IT IS GOING TO WEAR OUT THE PARKING BRAKE PADS. NEVER HAD SOME THING LIKE THIS HAPPEN IN ANY VEHICLE I HAVE OWNED. IT CURRENTLY IS NOT HOLDING SO I APPLY THE BRAKE TO THE FLOOR AND THEN PUT IT IN PARK. NOT A GOOD PRACTICE. *TR

5/17/2012

9 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

10 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

DRIVERS AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY IN ACCIDENT. FRONT END CRUSHED, PROBABLY $20,000 DAMAGE TO FRONT END ALTHOUGH TOW TRUCK DRIVER SAID IT WAS TOTALED. WIFE WAS DRIVING AND COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED IF SEAT BELT HAD FAILED ALSO. *TR

4/9/2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A HEAD INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000.

12/15/2014

8 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

7 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

AFTER PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, THEN BRAKING, I BACKED UP TO REALIGN THE VEHICLE BETTER. WHEN I PULLED IN THIS TIME AND BRAKE, THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP. I CONTINUED TO PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE REPEATEDLY, BUT THE VEHICLE STILL DID NOT STOP. THE ENGINE THEN REVVED UP AND ACCELERATED. AT THIS SAME TIME THE GEAR SHIFT WENT INTO NEUTRAL AND THEN BACK INTO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE FINALLY CAME TO A STOP AS IT HIT THE BUILDING IN FRONT OF ME, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE BUILDING, AND THE FRONT OF MY VEHICLE. I WAS ABLE TO BACK UP THE VEHICLE AND PARK IT IN THE PARKING SPACE, WITH NOT PROBLEM BRAKING IT TO STOP THIS TIME. *TR

7/18/2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, SHE ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE BUT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY INSTEAD. SHE ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKE HOWEVER THE BRAKE PEDAL HAD BECOME VERY STIFF. SHE HAD TO APPLY EXTREME PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED 15 FEET LATER. SHE SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS AN IDLE UP CLUTCH DEFECT, WHICH OCCURRED AT LOW SPEEDS AND WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS ACTIVATED. THE DEALER WOULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,200 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 6,800. UPDATED 08/28/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO MOVE FORWARD AND THE ENGINE REACHED 1600 RPM EVEN THOUGH SHE WAS ONLY DRIVING 10 MPH. THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME HARD AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. SHE SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND APPLIED THE BRAKES AGAIN AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED. SHE THEN SHUT OFF THE IGNITION AND WAITED ABOUT 7-10 MINUTES.

7/27/2012

5 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MY HIGHLANDER WAS AT THE AIRPORT FOR THREE DAYS PARKED. WHEN I WAS LEAVING THE LOT I WAS DRIVING SLOW IN THE LOT TO PAY MY PARKING. WHEN I GOT OUT OF THE LOT TO MAIN STREAM TRAFFIC I TRIED TO ACCELERATE AND THE CAR WOULD ONLY GO SLOW AS I KEPT PUSHING THE THROTTLE. THERE WERE CARS ON BOTH SIDES OF ME WITH NO ONE IN FRONT AND THEN THE CAR JUST TOOK OFF. IT DID STARTLE ME BECAUSE I WAS NOT EXPECTING THIS. THANK GOD NO ONE WAS IN FRONT OF ME BECAUSE I AM SURE I WOULD NOT HAVE REACTED FAST ENOUGH TO STOP BECAUSE OF THE RAPID ACCELERATION. SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE THROTTLE IN THESE VEHICLES. I DID NOT TAKE IT IN BECAUSE I AM SURE THEY WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM. THIS HAS ONLY HAPPEN ONCE AND I HOPE IT DOESN'T HAPPEN AGAIN. *TR

5/29/2012

ON (OR ABOUT) THE LAST WEEK OF MAY 2015, I HAD MY AUTO SERVICED AT THE DEALSHIP. I WAS ADVISED THAT THE 'THROTTLE BODY' NEEDED 'CLEANING' AND THIS WAS DONE BY THE DEALERSHIP AT THAT TIME. ON JUNE 4, 2015, I WAS BACKING INTO A PARKING SPOT ON A PARKING LOT, WIITH THE CAR 'COASTING' BACK AND MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. ABOUT HALF WAY INTO THE 'SPOT' THE CAR ENGINE SUDDELY ACCELLERATED AND I HAD TO USE EXTREME PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO OBTAIN A 'MINIMUM' OF SLOWING. THE CAR ONLY CAME TO A STOP WHEN THE REAR TIRES, MADE CONTACT WITH AN 'IN-PLACE' CEMENT PARKING BARRIER AND THE ENGINE ACCELERATION ONLY CEASED WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN 'PARK' GEAR. IT HAS NOT OCCURED SINCE, NOR HAS IT EVER OCCURED WHILE DRIVING FORWARD. I AM A RETIRED POLICE OFFICER WITH YEARS OF TRAINING IN DRIVING AND DRIVER SAFETY, AND AM CERTAIN OF THIS ACTION OCURRING AS I HAVE DESCRIBED.

6/9/2015

1 more complaint is available in this category.

WHEELS

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I WAS DRIVING ON I-35 AND HAS TO STOP AT THE SHOULDER FOR ABOUT 30 SECONDS TO FIX SOMETHING. THE SHOULDER IS SMOOTH AND NEWLY PAVED. THEN I WENT ON DRIVING AGAIN, MINUTES LATE, THE TIRE LOW AIR INDICATOR WAS ON AND A FEW MORE MINUTES LATER, THE LEFT FRONT TIRE WAS TOTALLY FLAT. THE TIRE HAS ONLY 7500 MILES ON IT AND WAS TOLD BY TOYOTA DEALER THAT I NEED TO PURCHASE A NEW ONE. AND THERE IS NO WARRANTY ON IT SINCE IT IS FROM A NEW CAR AND I DID NOT PURCHASE THEIR EXTENDED COVERAGE. I THINK IT IS QUALITY OF THE TIRE USED AND I SAW TONS OF SAME COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER TOYOTA HIGHLANDER OWNERS. *TR

3/13/2013

LUG NUTS ARE 2-PIECE: STEEL NUTS WITH CHROMED COVERS CRIMPED ON. THE NUTS RUST INSIDE THE CHROME COVERS AND SWELL SO THAT THE LUG WRENCH THAT COMES WITH THE VEHICLE (NOR SOCKETS OR TYPICAL 4-WAY LUG WRENCHES) WILL NOT FIT THE NUT. ONE CAN BE STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD UNABLE TO REMOVE A FLAT TIRE. BESIDES THE WHEEL LOCKS, ALL 16 OF THE REMAINING NUTS WERE AFFECTED. I HAVE ORDERED REPLACEMENT NUTS, ON ADVICE FROM MY LOCAL TIRE SHOP, THAT ARE CHROME PLATED AND NOT 2-PIECE. I INFORMED TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE OF THE PROBLEM AND THEY ACKNOWLEDGED RECEIPT BUTOFFERED NO SOLUTION OR COMPENSATION. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED WHEN I NEEDED TO REMOVE A TIRE, BUT THANKFULLY IT WAS STILL DRIVEABLE. MY LOCAL TIRE SHOP WAS ABLE TO HAMMER-ON A SOCKET TO REMOVE THE SWOLLEN NUTS, AND I WILL HAVE TO RETURN TO THEM TO HAVE THEM INSTALL THE REPLACEMENT NUTS. I AM RETAINING THE ORIGINAL NUTS IN CASE THEY ARE NEEDED BY NHTSA OR TOYOTA FOR EXAMINATION. THERE ARE MANY REPORTS OF THIS ISSUE ONLINE, AS WELL AS MENTIONS IN PRODUCT QUESTIONS ABOUT REPLACEMENT NUTS ON AMAZON.COM (EG, ARE THESE NUTS ONE-PIECE OR NOT, AND REPORTS OF THIS EXACT PROBLEM WITH MANY VEHICLES). INTERESTINGLY, IT TURNS OUT THAT TOOL MANUFACTURER SNAP-ON MAKES AN 18.5MM AND 19.5MM OVERSIZED SOCKETS TO REMOVE THESE SWOLLEN NUTS. THE PROBLEM IS COMMON ENOUGH FOR SPECIALIZED TOOLS. PLEASE ACT ON THIS TO PREVENT SOME POOR INDIVIDUAL FROM BEING STRANDED!

4/5/2017

1 more complaint is available in this category.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

RIGHT FRONT DOOR DOES NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK USING THE KEYLESS REMOTE HAVE TO MANUALLY LOCK AND UNLOCK THE DOOR. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND HAD TO HAVE THE ACTUATOR REPLACED ON MARCH 17TH, 2014. NOW ON APRIL 8TH, 2014 DRIVER SIDE DOOR DOES NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK USING KEYLESS REMOTE AGAIN HAVING TO MANUALLY LOCK AND UNLOCK THE DOOR. TAKEN TO THE DEALER AGAIN AND HAS TO HAVE THE ACTUATOR REPLACED. TWO ACTUATORS NEEDING TO BE REPLACED IN LESS THAN 1 MONTH. SUV NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. *TR

4/8/2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOOR LOCKS FAILED WHEN ATTEMPTING TO LOCK THE DOORS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DOOR LOCKS WERE REPLACED PER AN UNKNOWN NHTSA CAMPAIGN. THE FAILURE RECURRED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR WINDOW FAILED TO ALIGN WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ROLL IT UP OR DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V689000 (VISIBILITY). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,109.

2/2/2017

1 more complaint is available in this category.

SEATS

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

AS I WAS DRIVING AT 30 MPH ON A SIDE STREET WITH MY HUSBAND SITTING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT (WITH HIS SEATBELT ON) AND THE EMERGENCY LIGHT WENT ON AND A MESSAGE SAYING THE PASSENGER AIRBAG IS OFF CAME ON. IF WOULD NOT RESET AND TOLD US TO CALL OUR LOCAL DEALER TO FIX THIS IMMEDIATELY, WHERE WE HAD TO PAY FOR IT TO BE FIXED. THERE WAS NO REASON FOR WHAT HAPPENED!

1/23/2018

THIS VEHICLE PRESENTS A HIGH NOISE BUMP WHEN STEERING. THE SUSPENSION FRONT & BACK IS TERRIBLE, CAUSING INTERIOR RATTLES FRONT AND BACK.

2/1/2018

1 more complaint is available in this category.

TIRES

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MY HUSBAND AND I WERE DRIVING ALONG EL CAMINO REAL IN SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO CALIFORNIA WHEN WE HEARD A VERY LOUD BANG AND OUR CAR SWAYED TO THE RIGHT AND ALMOST HIT A BYSTANDER. THE REAR PASSENGER RIGHT TIRE BLEW OUT AT NO APPARENT REASONS. THERE WAS A BIG CRACK OF 3 TO 4 INCHES ON THE SIDE (INSIDE PART) OF THIS TIRE. WE BROUGHT OUR CAR TO MELODY TOYOTA TELLING THEM THAT IT WAS A DEFECTIVE TIRE BECAUSE THERE WAS NO SIGNS OF NAILS OR ANY OTHER OBJECTS THAT WILL CAUSE THE TIRE TO BLOW OUT. FORTUNATELY, WE DECIDED NOT TO TAKE THE FREEWAY THIS TIME OR ELSE WE WILL BE IN A BIG ACCIDENT. MELODY TOYOTA TOLD US THAT IT WAS DUE TO OUTSIDE INFLUENCE BUT THEY ARE NOT SURE ABOUT IT BECAUSE YOU CAN SEE THE SURFACE WAS SO SMOOTH AND NO MARKS OF ANY OBJECTS HITTING IT. IT LOOKED THAT IT CAME FROM THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE. THEY DECIDED TO SEND THE TIRE TO THE MANUFACTURER (TOYO BRAND) TO INVESTIGATE. OUR WORRY THE TIRE MANUFACTURER WILL TRY TO PROTECT THEMSELVES AND THEY WILL RULE THAT IT WAS DUE TO OUTSIDE INFLUENCE. GRANTING IT WAS DUE TO OUTSIDE INFLUENCE THE TIRE SHOULD DEFLATE SLOWLY AND NOT A SUDDEN LOUD BURST. WE ARE REPORTING THIS BECAUSE WE WANT TO SAVE THOUSANDS OF LIVES WHO HAVE THIS BRAND OF TIRES. FORTUNATELY, NOTHING BAD HAPPENED TO US AND THE BYSTANDER. I WAS REQUESTING THE DEALER TO REPLACE ALL OUR TIRES BECAUSE WE HAVE NO PEACE OF MIND DRIVING WITH THESE TIRES. BY THE WAY, OUR CAR IS A BRAND NEW CARTOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2012 THAT WE BOUGHT ONLY LAST JUNE OF 2012, IT WAS AN 8 MONTH-OLD CAR. WHAT REALLY UPSETS ME THE DEALER WAS SELLING ME A SPARE TIRE FOR $300. WHY SHOULD WE PAY $300 WHEN WE ALMOST GOT INTO ACCIDENT?SO, AT THIS TIME WE'RE STILL WAITING WHAT WILL BE THEIR FINDINGS. I HOPE THEY WILL BE HONEST ABOUT IT. I TOOK SEVERAL PICTURES OF THE DAMAGED TIRE FOR THE RECORD. *TR

2/5/2013

I WAS DRIVING ON I-35 AND HAS TO STOP AT THE SHOULDER FOR ABOUT 30 SECONDS TO FIX SOMETHING. THE SHOULDER IS SMOOTH AND NEWLY PAVED. THEN I WENT ON DRIVING AGAIN, MINUTES LATE, THE TIRE LOW AIR INDICATOR WAS ON AND A FEW MORE MINUTES LATER, THE LEFT FRONT TIRE WAS TOTALLY FLAT. THE TIRE HAS ONLY 7500 MILES ON IT AND WAS TOLD BY TOYOTA DEALER THAT I NEED TO PURCHASE A NEW ONE. AND THERE IS NO WARRANTY ON IT SINCE IT IS FROM A NEW CAR AND I DID NOT PURCHASE THEIR EXTENDED COVERAGE. I THINK IT IS QUALITY OF THE TIRE USED AND I SAW TONS OF SAME COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER TOYOTA HIGHLANDER OWNERS. *TR

3/13/2013

STRUCTURE

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

AFTER DRIVING APROX 1200 MILES FROM MASSACHUSETTS TO FLORIDA NOTICED THAT THE FLOOR MATS UNDER THE DRIVERS AND PASSENGER SEATS WERE SOPPING WET. BROUGHT THE CAR BACK TO ARLINGTON TOYOTA IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA ON 12/27/2012 TO HAVE THE PROBLEM LOOKED INTO. SINCE I DID NOT HAVE A "REPAIR APPOINTMENT" IT WAS NECESSARY TO RETURN ON A LATER DATE. RETURNED ON 01/23/2013 AND SUBMITTED THE CAR FOR REPAIR. I WAS TOLD THAT THE PROBABLE CAUSE WAS FOREIGN DEBRIS HAD ENTERED THE A/C SYSTEM AND CLOGGED THE DRAIN. THIS PROBLEM HAS REPEATED ITSELF THREE ADDITIONAL TIMES SINCE THE INITIAL REPAIR WITH A DIAGNOSIS OF SPIDERS BLOCKING THE DRAIN TUBE. THE WET FLOORS IN THE CAR AND THE RESULTING MOLD HAS TRIGGERED AN ALLERGIC REACTION AND CAUSED A SINUS INFECTION. THIS IS A CONTINUING PROBLEM. *TR

11/5/2013

TOYOTA HIGHLANDER WAS CROSSING INTERSECTION WITH GREEN LIGHT AND WAS STRUCK ON THE MIDDLE SIDE BY ONCOMING VEHICLE RUNNING A RED LIGHT. TOYOTA HIGHLANDER ROLLED 1.25 TIMES. TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HAD SECOND ROW SET UP IN BENCH CONFIGURATION WITH CENTER CONSOLE UNIT STOWED AS MANUAL INDICATED UNDER CENTER SEAT. CENTER CONSOLE UNIT DISLODGED DURING IMPACT AND/OR ROLL AND FLEW THROUGH REAR PASSENGER AREA, STRIKING TWO CHILDREN ON THE HEAD AND CAUSING HEAD/BRAIN INJURY (CONCUSSION AND LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS). *TR

9/1/2014

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. CONSUMER STATED THE SUNROOF SHATTERED WHILE DRIVING.

12/24/2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE SUN ROOF SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUN ROOF NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

8/18/2015

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

AT APPROXIMATELY 30,000 MILES THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED, WHICH WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. SINCE THAT TIME, THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT DOOR FAILED AT APPROXIMATELY 40,000 MILES AND WAS REPLACED OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY AND NOW THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR DOOR HAS ALSO FAILED. THREE OF THE FOUR DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS HAVE FAILED BETWEEN 30,000 AND 42,000 MILES AND ONLY ONE WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *TR

1/12/2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN COLD WEATHER, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO DRIVE, THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCK WAS HEARD HOWEVER, AFTER SEVERAL MOMENTS OF DRIVING, THE DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AND HE HEARD THE DOOR UNLOCKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER MARINA DEL REY TOYOTA LOCATED AT 4636 LINCOLN BLVD, MARINA DEL REY, CA 90292, (310) 439-9894 HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 135,000.

10/8/2020

SUSPENSION

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THIS VEHICLE PRESENTS A HIGH NOISE BUMP WHEN STEERING. THE SUSPENSION FRONT & BACK IS TERRIBLE, CAUSING INTERIOR RATTLES FRONT AND BACK.

2/1/2018

FOR SEVERAL MONTHS NOW I HAVE BEEN HEARING A CLUCKING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT AND UPON BREAKING A THUD SOUND IN THE FRONT OF MY CAR. AFTER TAKING MY CAR IN TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY CAME BACK AND SAID THAT THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. I ASKED WELL HOW DO YOU DAMAGE A WHOLE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT? THEY SAID IT OCCURS OVER A PERIOD OF TIME. MY VEHICLE HAS 92,000 MILES ON IT BUT ITS BEEN MAINTAINED AND SERVICED AND NOT DRIVEN ROUGHLY BUT TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT THEY SAID IT WOULD COST ME ABOUT $615.00 TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED PLUS AN ADDITIONAL $89.95 FOR THE ALIGNMENT. THIS APPEARS TO BE A MANUFACTURE ISSUE AND NEEDS TO HAVE A RECALL. I'M VERY DISAPPOINTED IN TOYOTA SINCE THEY PRIDE THEMSELVES AS BEING ONE OF THE LEADING AUTO MAKERS AROUND THE WORLD.

5/31/2019

TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. CONSUMER WRITES REGARDING A DEFECT WITH TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED, BUT THE TIRES ARE ALL AT THE CORRECT PRESSURE LEVELS. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO HAVE THE TPMS DEACTIVATED UNTIL A FIX WAS AVAILABLE. *JS

1/29/2021

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a Tire Center, which was unable to determine the cause of the failure. Upon further investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V452000 (Tires). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 90,200.

9/25/2025

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

OCCASIONALLY, AFTER COMING TO A STOP, AND THEN TAKING OFF AND TURNING EITHER RIGHT OR LEFT, THE ENGINE WILL LOSE POWER FOR A FEW SECONDS. THE ENGINE DOES NOT SHUT OFF, IT JUST SLOWS DOWN TO JUST ABOVE IDLE SPEED FOR 3 OR 4 SECONDS AND THEN RESUMES NORMAL ACCELERATION OPERATION. *TR

2/18/2012

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

AFTER PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, THEN BRAKING, I BACKED UP TO REALIGN THE VEHICLE BETTER. WHEN I PULLED IN THIS TIME AND BRAKE, THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP. I CONTINUED TO PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE REPEATEDLY, BUT THE VEHICLE STILL DID NOT STOP. THE ENGINE THEN REVVED UP AND ACCELERATED. AT THIS SAME TIME THE GEAR SHIFT WENT INTO NEUTRAL AND THEN BACK INTO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE FINALLY CAME TO A STOP AS IT HIT THE BUILDING IN FRONT OF ME, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE BUILDING, AND THE FRONT OF MY VEHICLE. I WAS ABLE TO BACK UP THE VEHICLE AND PARK IT IN THE PARKING SPACE, WITH NOT PROBLEM BRAKING IT TO STOP THIS TIME. *TR

7/18/2012

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

THE 2012 HIGHLANDER SPEEDOMETER CONSISTENTLY SHOWS 3 MILES OVER THE ACTUAL SPEED, AS COMPARE TO VARIOUS HIGHWAY SPEED MONITORS AND COMMERCIAL GPS SPEED INDICATORS. HOWEVER, TOYOTA DEALER AND HEADQUARTER SAID THE SPEEDOMETER IS WITHIN PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATION. I BELIEVE THIS COULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE AS DRIVER MAY NOT BE SURE OF THE ACTUAL SPEED OF THE VEHICLE. *TR

8/2/2012

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND STEERING TO THE RIGHT, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY EMITTED AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT SHUT OFF INTERMITTENTLY WHEN POWERING OFF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE DEFROSTER FOR THE REAR WINDOW WOULD NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, CAUSING THE WINDOWS TO REMAIN FOGGY FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,300. UPDATED 1/29/13 *CN

12/18/2012

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEAD LIGHTS WERE TOO DIM, MAKING IT DIFFICULT FOR NIGHT DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN VERIFIED THE FAILURE AND ADJUSTED THE LIGHTS HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT REMEDIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 4,000. ... UPDATED 02/27/13 *BF UPDATED 03/04/13

1/17/2013

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HATCHBACK SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE HATCH LIFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PART DO TO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,700.

12/16/2014

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE WINDSHIELD ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE NOTICED THE START OF PITTING IN THE WINDSHIELD THAT GAVE OFF A DARK LOOK. THE CONDITION BECAME WORSE, SO HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER ON NOVEMBER 20, 2014. THE DEALER DID NOT SEEM INTERESTED IN THE CONSUMERS CONCERN. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE PITTING WAS THE RESULT OF DETERIORATION OF THE GLASS DUE TO EITHER INCLUSIONS OR CHEMICAL INTERACTION WITH NORMAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS. *JB

9/23/2015

SEAT BELTS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MALE SEAT BELT CONNECTOR FAILED TO CONNECT INTO THE FEMALE CONNECTOR. THE SEAT BELT INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE FEMALE SEAT BELT CONNECTOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE SEAT BELT CONNECTOR WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.

11/2/2016

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND EXITING A HIGHWAY, APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP, DASHBOARD FLICKERED, AND ENGINE DIED. THE RED STEERING WHEEL WARNING LIGHT CAME ON BRIEFLY, BUT THE WHEEL COULD NOT BE TURNED FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. THIS HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN THE PERIOD OF A FEW MINUTES. BATTERY & ALTERNATOR WERE TESTED - NO MALFUNCTION.

3/10/2017

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FAULTY ELECTRIC WINDOW MOTOR WHICH RESULTED IN A VEHICLE FIRE. *LD *JS

4/26/2017

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AUTOMATIC DOOR ACTUATOR FAILED TO UNLOCK THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED ON THREE OF THE FOUR DOORS. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER REAR DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS WERE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS IN THE PROCESS OF REPLACING THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR. COLONIAL TOYOTA (2600 W PIKE RD, INDIANA, PA 15701, (724) 349-9100) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.

11/20/2017

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT FAILURE AND HORN CABLE FAILURE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THESE FAILURES AND TO BE REIMBURSED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. *JS

2/13/2018

VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

REAR WINDSHIELD BLEW OUT ON THE INTERSTATE. THE CAR WAS WARMED PRIOR TO DRIVING AND FONT AND REAR WINDSHIELD WERE ON DEFROST PRIOR TO THE REAR WINDSHIELD EXPLODING.

5/25/2018

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY TOAD. THE DISPLAY ALSO NOTIFIED ME AND READ, PLEASE TAKE THIS TO A TOYOTA DEALER FOR SERVICE. THE HORN ON THE CAR ALSO STOPPED WORKING. THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE NO HORN AND A DEFECTIVE AIR BAG. ARE THEY CONNECTED?

10/1/2018

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

ABS check light is on, says "have dealer check immediately". Took vehicle to dealer, dealer determined the main wire that runs under the carpet is defective and has to be fixed. The cost for the diagnostics is $750 without repairs. The cost to repair is $5100. I bought this vehicle brand new and have had all maintenance performed to manufacturers requirements. I don't believe I should be responsible for a defective wire that controls the air bags. At this point there are no recalls on my vehicle. I believe the manufacturer should paid the cost for this repair.

7/19/2021

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I was driving and arrived home and suddenly lost my braking and almost hit my house if I didn't steer the wheel towards my lawn and put on my parking brake it would have been a disaster. I felt so unsafe that I had my vehicle towed for repair and had to replace the brake master cylinder. Two weeks later, we went on a family trip and parked my vehicle with my family and it was on a slight slope and went to put on the parking brake and it was still slightly moving forward only to put my vehicle in reverse QUICKLY in order in NOT DRIVE INTO A LAKE WITH MY FAMILY IN THE vehicle!!! I have just read the complaints and this is an ongoing problem since 2011 and I am quite SHOCKED that this is NOT ON RECALL!!! My wife has a Prius V 2013 and have not had any problems at all, BUT has a recall on a Brake Hydro-Boost pump fail for her vehicle, BUT nothing is wrong with her brakes, ONLY THE 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER!!! Please let me know what Toyota needs to do to get this this fixed!!! I know there are probably more that no one is reporting this and I guess there must be a fatality in order for Toyota to fix this problem!!!!

8/9/2022

STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:SUN VISOR

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the driver’s side sun visor detached and fell on the contact. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the driver side sun visor to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that in September 2022, the driver's and the passenger's side sun visors detached. The contact took the vehicle to the second local dealer, Capitol Toyota (6800 Automall Pkwy, Gilroy, CA 95020, (408) 335-0587) where the vehicle was diagnosed and determined that the driver’s and the passenger's side sun visors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

1/13/2023

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that he noticed that the front and rear driver’s side and rear passenger’s side carpet were soaked with water. The contact then stated that he also noticed the water had leaked from the sunroof. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that water had entered through the sunroof due to the drain tube being improperly designed. The contact stated that he was concerned because of two visible electrical connectors near the front driver’s side floorboard and possible mold, corrosion, and rust. An undisclosed dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that he would receive a call back but no response was received. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

6/27/2023

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2012 Toyota Highlander?

The most reported complaint category for the 2012 Toyota Highlander is STEERING, with 46 owner reports. That is about 20% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

Are complaints about the 2012 Toyota Highlander a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 122 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2012 Toyota Highlander?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2012 Toyota Highlander severe?

122 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Toyota Highlander: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
225
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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